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Dog Training Sydney | AdelaideFri, 11 Aug 2017 05:04:32 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.8.1Special needs of rescue dogshttp://dogtech.com.au/special-needs-of-rescue-dogs/
http://dogtech.com.au/special-needs-of-rescue-dogs/#respondTue, 08 Aug 2017 07:21:08 +0000http://dogtech.com.au/?p=1950Medical or behavioural issues may not be immediately obvious when you adopt a rescue dog, but its important to be aware of the possibilities so you can deal with them effectively, and build a happy, healthy relationship. It’s quite common for rescue dogs to have been neglected or abused in some way by [...]

Medical or behavioural issues may not be immediately obvious when you adopt a rescue dog, but its important to be aware of the possibilities so you can deal with them effectively, and build a happy, healthy relationship.

It’s quite common for rescue dogs to have been neglected or abused in some way by their previous owners. Malnutrition and neglect can cause both physical and psychological problems. Skin diseases and bad body odour on your new pet are quite common. It’s important to have your rescue dog thoroughly checked out by your vet, who can also recommend an appropriate diet, and arrange for neutering if it hasn’t been done.

Behaviour issues in rescue dogs

In addition to the effects of neglect or abuse, your rescue dog may also be highly stressed from having been moved between many homes. All of this can lead to problems, but generally they can be addressed with professional help.

The telltale behaviours to watch for include:

Barking incessantly to get attention, particularly if restricted to the outdoors.

Being overprotective of their food.

They may snap at children who are rough with them or interfere with their food or possessions.

Fearfulness and aggression can result from a lack of socialising with people or other animals, or long-term confinement to its previous premises.

Accidently toileting indoors.

Becoming frightened and running away.

Behavioural Training

With professional behaviour training you can create a harmonious home around your rescue dog. Our DogTech® trainers begin with a deep understanding of your dog’s psychology, always working to humanely build the dog’s sense of safety and confidence within the family structure. (Remember, you’re all part of a pack and your dog wants to belong.)

It can take a lot of patient effort to correct some of these behaviours, but the rewarding relationship you can create with your dog is very much worth it.

DogTech® In-Home Training introduces your rescue dog to its new family in its new environment, and will help to establish agreed behavioural expectations for your dog so everyone in the household can be consistent. Clear, consistent reinforcement provides reassuring structure and a sense of security for your dog – and gives everyone more confidence.

All dogs, but especially rescue dogs, need to learn through positive reinforcement. We reward good behaviours and ignore the ones we want to discourage. What you must not do is add to your pet’s stress by getting angry or raising your voice. Not only is it unkind to a vulnerable animal – it’s also counterproductive. It will make the training ineffective.

We’ll also help you train your rescue dog to enjoy walking on a lead. Regular walks are important to correcting behavioural and emotional problems – and they can do you a lot of good, too!

The DogTech® professional training service is available in Adelaide, Sydney and Goulburn Valley, and you can find your nearest trainer by clicking here.

]]>http://dogtech.com.au/special-needs-of-rescue-dogs/feed/0Tough toys for big dogshttp://dogtech.com.au/tough-toys-for-big-dogs/
http://dogtech.com.au/tough-toys-for-big-dogs/#respondFri, 14 Jul 2017 08:17:26 +0000http://dogtech.com.au/?p=1911If you own a large breed of dog, you’ll be well aware of how quickly their powerful jaws can destroy almost any dog toy you give them. In recent years, many toys have been developed especially to solve this problem, and we’ve selected a few for you here. Kong Toys have been around [...]

If you own a large breed of dog, you’ll be well aware of how quickly their powerful jaws can destroy almost any dog toy you give them. In recent years, many toys have been developed especially to solve this problem, and we’ve selected a few for you here.

Kong Toys have been around since the 1970’s and they’re so good that they’re still the market leaders today. One of their most popular toys for large dogs is the ‘Kong Extreme’, known as ‘The World’s Strongest Dog Toy’. Recommended for the most powerful chewers, it’s made from ultra-strong, ultra-durable black rubber. As with many toys from this manufacturer, you can stuff treats inside it – perfect for dogs that need mental stimulation or suffer from separation anxiety.

One of the most popular dog toys around right now is the Giraffe Chew Rope by GoCooper. Not only is it absolutely adorable, it also serves more than one purpose. Made from 100% cotton fibres and dyed using non-toxic agents, it’s safe for your dog to destroy – and it helps to clean their teeth at the same time.

Veterinarians recommend the Nylabone Durable Chew Ring for its durability – it’s specifically made with large breeds in mind. The multi-textured ring makes chewing more interesting for your dog and the different bristle heights and textures help clean teeth and reduce tartar build-up.

One last example from the many great chew toys on the market: the Zogoflex Hurley Toy Bone, made for long and intense chew sessions. It’s 100% guaranteed against dog damage by the manufacturer, so you can rest assured your big dog will have to work hard to destroy it. It also floats, so it’s ideal for playing in the water with your dog.

For more information about dog products or behavioural training, don’t hesitate to contact us at DogTech.

]]>http://dogtech.com.au/tough-toys-for-big-dogs/feed/0Hounds and Holidayshttp://dogtech.com.au/hounds-and-holidays/
http://dogtech.com.au/hounds-and-holidays/#respondThu, 29 Jun 2017 09:53:28 +0000http://dogtech.com.au/?p=1891While there are good options for housing your furry friend while you’re away on holiday, don’t discount the possibility of taking her with you on your adventure. With You can now find pet-friendly hotels and motels online with rooms that connect to a secure outdoor area for dogs. They range from budget level [...]

While there are good options for housing your furry friend while you’re away on holiday, don’t discount the possibility of taking her with you on your adventure.

With

You can now find pet-friendly hotels and motels online with rooms that connect to a secure outdoor area for dogs. They range from budget level to amazingly ritzy. (Some hotels also offer dog-walking and dog-grooming services!) Check that your choice is within an easy stroll of a dog-friendly park.

There are also camping grounds and caravan parks by the beach and in the bush that highlight their pet-friendly credentials. For instance, many of the BIG4 Holiday Parks (big4.com.au) promote themselves as pet-friendly.

Did you know your dog can become a Virgin Australia Velocity (frequent flyer) program member and earn 300 points or more each time you fly? Virgin pet bookings are made on 136 789. Also, on some routes, Qantas will include pets under 20kg as part of your free checked baggage allowance. Otherwise, rates depend on the weight of your pet and its crate. Book at qantas.com.au/qfreight/

Without

If you’re more comfortable heading off without your dog, you could organise home boarding with friends or family, but be sure everyone understands what they’re getting into. Discuss your dog’s personality, special needs and health considerations, and the host’s ability to cope – especially if your dog needs a lot of exercise.

With an especially energetic dog, your host should have a clear understanding of your dog’s boisterous personality – and ideally have had some dog behaviour training. (DogTech can help with that!) Be sure your dog’s host lives within striking distance of a dog-friendly park for that daily exercise.

A well-run boarding kennel can actually be great social fun for your dog, with heaps of hurtling around with other hounds of all shapes and sizes. Again, they’re easy to find with a web search, but it’s worth asking for recommendations from your vet or other dog owners to avoid a poor experience.

Don’t be afraid to have your hosts provide references and even dog behavioural and medical certificates. Check out their references and do an internet search for customer feedback.

Special needs

Anxious Dogs: If your dog experiences separation anxiety, DogTech can help you address this issue before you leave. You might consider a private boarding lodge with a full-time carer who can give your dog the required special attention while you’re away.

Puppies: For puppies, we’d recommend that you choose a service that offers full supervision and a puppy-proof environment. If you know a retiree or a full-time homemaker they could be a perfect host for your pup’s guest stay.

Elderly Dogs: Most senior dogs have special needs and often require oral or injected medications. Make sure your host is well-equipped to deal with your dog’s medical needs and can perform CPR. We also recommend that you find a place with a designated sleeping and play area appropriate to your dog’s agility and comfort.

]]>http://dogtech.com.au/hounds-and-holidays/feed/0The Look of Lovehttp://dogtech.com.au/the-look-of-love/
http://dogtech.com.au/the-look-of-love/#respondFri, 16 Jun 2017 08:22:15 +0000http://dogtech.com.au/?p=1883Our special relationship with dogs is a bond that’s been in place for tens of thousands of years. We all know that wonderful feeling when our dog looks up at us lovingly. DogTech’s late founder John Richardson spent a lifetime studying dogs and instinctively knew how to emotionally connect with them. Increasingly, science [...]

Our special relationship with dogs is a bond that’s been in place for tens of thousands of years. We all know that wonderful feeling when our dog looks up at us lovingly.

DogTech’s late founder John Richardson spent a lifetime studying dogs and instinctively knew how to emotionally connect with them. Increasingly, science is helping us understand how that happens.

A 2015 study published in Science magazine shed some light on why humans and dogs become so attached to each other.

We’ve known for some time that the hormone oxytocin is generated in humans when they meet each other’s gaze, contributing to emotional bonding. Well, it turns out that humans and dogs both experience this rush of oxytocin when they look into each other’s eyes.

The researchers monitored levels of the hormone in people and their dogs before and after they stared into each other’s eyes, and both experienced a spike. And the longer the gazing continued, the higher the dogs’ oxytocin levels became.

Interestingly, the effect could also be reversed. When oxytocin was administered to the dogs via a nasal spray, their gazing behaviour increased!

This ‘mutual gaze’ communication seems to have come about through the domestication of wolves to become our best friends. Research shows that wolves, which rarely engage in eye contact with humans, don’t experience the oxytocin boost that dogs do.

So, be sure to take off your dark glasses when you say hello to your dog. It’ll make you both feel great, and help to build that special bond you share.

]]>http://dogtech.com.au/the-look-of-love/feed/0Battling ‘Dog Breath’http://dogtech.com.au/battling-dog-breath/
http://dogtech.com.au/battling-dog-breath/#respondFri, 16 Jun 2017 08:15:55 +0000http://dogtech.com.au/?p=1881There’s a reason ‘dog breath’ isn’t a compliment. Just like humans, dogs face dental issues like tartar and plaque build-up, and gingivitis; which can lead to more serious infections. This is why brushing your dog’s teeth is essential. Your vet can show you how and when to brush your dog’s teeth, how to [...]

Just like humans, dogs face dental issues like tartar and plaque build-up, and gingivitis; which can lead to more serious infections. This is why brushing your dog’s teeth is essential.

Your vet can show you how and when to brush your dog’s teeth, how to prepare your dog for the process, and what toothpaste to use. And remember, the earlier you start, the more relaxed your dog will be.

Being consistent with the routine will avoid unnecessary anxiety. A good time to clean your dog’s teeth is after its main meal – you’ll remove any remaining fluids from the food, and your dog will be less agitated in the evening and ready for bed.

Your vet should professionally check your dog’s teeth once a year – every six months if your dog is elderly.

Dental hygiene is also affected by your dog’s diet. Always serve nutritious and crunchy kibble (not too crunchy or it could crack a tooth!). This helps get rid of the plaque and tartar build-up and strengthens gums. Make sure there’s always a chew toy around, like a good synthetic bone – they also help to keep your dog’s teeth healthy and strong.

Be alert to tell-tale signs of dental disease: a change in the colour of your dog’s gums, worsening breath, swollen or bleeding gums, compulsive chewing or agitated pawing of the mouth.

Your DogTech behaviouralist can recommend an appropriate diet for your dog, and explain how and when to provide food ‘treats’.

]]>http://dogtech.com.au/battling-dog-breath/feed/0Kids and Dogs!http://dogtech.com.au/kids-and-dogs/
http://dogtech.com.au/kids-and-dogs/#respondWed, 08 Mar 2017 15:06:18 +0000http://dogtech.com.au/?p=1The psychology behind raising a puppy or introducing a dog to your home is not that different from raising kids. They’re both inquisitive, impulsive and excitable, and without the right supervision things can get quickly out of hand! It’s important that you first establish a set of rules and boundaries with both, and [...]

The psychology behind raising a puppy or introducing a dog to your home is not that different from raising kids. They’re both inquisitive, impulsive and excitable, and without the right supervision things can get quickly out of hand!

It’s important that you first establish a set of rules and boundaries with both, and teach your child how to interact with the family’s new furry friend.

Quite often, your child is keen to pat it, play with it and encourage a reaction. Some even rush up to puppies and dogs, not realising that such a friendly gesture could provoke unruly dominance or incite an aggressive reaction. Small children’s faces can get very close to your dog’s face, which can translate as a threat.

It’s important to teach your child some key rules ahead of that first meeting: like first offering a closed fist for the dog to sniff, then gently stroking the head and neck, avoiding more sensitive areas such as ears, tail, feet and belly. Explain that poking, squeezing or pulling isn’t nice for the dog, and that a quiet voice is best.

DogTech® behaviouralists work with young families on the boundaries of socialising with dogs (no-go zones and play zones), provide easy instructions on safety rules and responsible behaviours (feeding, grooming and walking) and introduce several child-friendly WhisperWise® safety techniques through fun, interactive demonstrations.

Learning how to safely interact with your dog in the home also helps your children approach and play with other dogs in the neighbourhood.

Remember, it’s important to choose a dog with the right disposition for your family; one that complements the entire household’s lifestyle, the level of activity and the age of your children. Try to involve the whole family in the selection process.

Before your dog comes home, talk to us about DogTech® Home Set-Up, to make your home as dog-proof and dog-friendly as possible. We also offer In-Home Puppy Training, and our acclaimed Puppy School will get your little guy off to a well-socialised start.

The sooner everyone in the family understands each other, the stronger the loving bond between your family and your puppy will be, and the more happiness you’ll all enjoy.